FC Edmonton takes Leip of faith: New GM announced By Steven Sandor Posted on May 19, 2011 Comments Off on FC Edmonton takes Leip of faith: New GM announced 0 739 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Tom Leip After a couple of weeks of delays, FC Edmonton has announced the hiring of former Portland sports executive Tom Leip as its new general manager. Leip will assume control of the business operations of the NASL club, while director of soccer operations Joe Petrone will make the player and personnel decisions. “Since FC Edmonton’s inception we have prided ourselves in hiring the best people for every job,” said owner Tom Fath in a release. “From our players, coaches and trainers to our account executives, directors and front office support staff; Tom Leip fits into the team perfectly and I know his experience and expertise will help our professional soccer club continue to grow.” There were indications that FCE had found its man a couple of weeks back, but the announcement waited until after the team’s run in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and two-game NASL road trip wer completed. Leip, an Oregonian, was a senior sales director at PGE Park, home of the Timbers and the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. He was president of SuCase, a company which helps teams raise funds and improve their business-development plans. He was also Sports Sales Director for lulu.com as well as the assistant athletic director at Portland State University. Leip also consulted the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. He replaces Mel Kowalchuk, who left the team in March to pursue some other opportunities. Kowalchuk remains the president of the Canadian Major Indoor Soccer League.
